[PFS1e] GM Deussu's #6-08 The Segang Expedition CORE (Inactive)

Game Master Deussu

Using a soothing tone on the count "Count, I have seen my share of poisoning and from my expertise I can see that you are not in any danger from poisoning. Please relax and rest, we will be here to help you if you need it"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

"The baron is right," Iladora says matter-of-factly, flipping the dead spider into a corner with her dagger. "This spider's venom is no worse than a bee sting. You don't need antitoxin, just some basic field care." She leaves the bedside-mannerisms up to Ferrus.

Count Falroun takes deep breaths to calm down, hangs his head in shame for the shortest while. "It's good to have a professional medical team with us," the count states, and sees that his foot is not getting worse.

The baron, who was standing by the tent's entrance all this time, looks behind him, "timing's good, the breakfast is about to be served." Bomande doesn't bother to loiter around any longer and goes to see what's on the menu.

After the breakfast complete with all kinds of local cuisine with some imported familiar foods, the first full day of proper hunting begins. As the nobles are getting ready, count Matsanda pulls the pathfinders aside.

"I’d really like to impress the old man today, but you see, I’m not much of a hunter,” he admits, “in fact, I’ve never really been hunting before! Is there any help or advice you can give me?”

So the rules for hunting are the same, if you wish to join the hunt. But there are other ways of providing advice to count Matsanda. For example, you could provide knowledge about the lands, how wildlife acts in its natural habitat, try to flush game into count's path, or participate and make it seem your catch is actually Falroun's. These are all examples, and you are free to come up with your own plans to help Matsanda. All ways to help Matsanda require a skill roll at DC 15.

"Fake it until you can make it":observe the other, more experienced hunters, and do as they do. Walk where they walk, stay down while they are down, run away screaming as they.. well, you know what I mean. At least, if something goes wrong, you can put the blame on someone else, saying he did it first, and you trusted his judgment, for he was supposed to be used to hunting.

Bluff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

Knowledge: Local t: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Corba Nana tells the count about the lay of the land.

"You see, you need to go where your prey is more likely to show. For example, there are not many sharks to be found in the mountains - and not many monkeys in the sea..."

Survival (Tracking) (Favored Enemy): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

"There are plenty of signs an' tracks ta follow if ya know what ta look for. We'll start off easy an' follow some human tracks. People leave nice big tracks an' don't bother steppin' lightly."

Ferrus Henricus put his hand in his pocket and took out a finger sized songbird, sculpted in wood. Please take this offering, for good luck. If reconcilliation with the Baron is what you seek, I shall ask Shelyn for her favor.

Ferrus did not have much in terms of wilderness expertise, but he chose to join the Count in his attempts and being a good hunter. Evey once in a while, he would subtly wave his hand and pray under his breath, asking for guidance from Shelyn to help the Count.

Ferrus will cast Guidance on the Count whenever he sees it might help him

Count Matsanda is grateful for the advice. With their help with the lay of the land, knowledge of fauna, and Corgrim's unusual advice of mimicry, he manages to bag a magnificent sloth bear. He's so proud.

The expedition eventually goes to rest for another night. The sounds of the jungle never end, even during the darkest hours, keeping some unaccustomed to it awake at night.

On the morning of the hunt's third day, the smell of wood smoke fills the camp as porters busy themselves tending various cooking fires.Outside the camp, the jungle is alive with the sounds of monkeys, birds, and chirping insects. Whatever was bagged the previous day is now being prepared for breakfast, in addition to imported provisions provided by the count.

The smell of food soon attracts the attention of a band of macaques that gather at the edge of the camp. They begin to cause trouble by overturning containers, stealing trinkets, and raiding unguarded food supplies.

The porters act reverentially toward the monkeys and offer them prayers along with bits of food and water. Baron Rudyahm, however, detests the monkeys. "Bloody siblings of charau-ka," he blasts, irate, "get rid of these pests, will you, Pathfinders?"

Preferably just one pathfinder makes a Handle Animal, Wild Empathy, or Charisma check. Others can aid another to help. There are other ways, too.

"They are only looking for food, or else they wouldn't take the risk of stealing from us. I'm sure once they get a little bit, they'll leave us alone. Ferrus takes out two portions of his trail rations and walks towards the macaques. "Don't worry Baron, I'll forage for my food later if I need to."

Losing 2x trail rations
Cast Guidance
Activate Bit of Luck

"Thank you Shelyn, for these little pranksters of nature, help me in keeping them safe" Ferrus prays silently, as he walks slowly towards the primates, making low whistling noises, and extending the food to the nearest macaques who would take it.

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 = 4 Yikes!
reroll Handle Animal: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 2 + 1 = 15

Ferrus doesn't seem to have Handle Animal as a trained skill. Thus it would be a mere charisma check, to which Guidance doesn't affect. The end result would be 14 instead of 15. Waiting for other contributions.

charisma aid: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Corgrim helps Ferrus giving his own food to the monkeys, gradually throwing the food farther from the camp, so the small nuisaces go away.

I do have Wild Empathy but I'm terrible at it (-2).

There's always another way of getting rid of pests. Iladora puts a hand on her longbow but, seeing the reverence with which the porters treat the creatures, doesn't draw it.

charisma aid: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Corba Nana follows Corgrim's example.

also losing 2 Trail Rations

I also have Wild Empathy, but also with a negative modifier. I could try to use Intimidate, though, if giving them our food and being nice doesn't generate the desired result.

Charisma Aid: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15

"Anybody know why the locals seem ta respect these monkeys so much? It a religious thing?"

Do we need to know a specific language to talk directly with the porters, or do they speak Common?

Khorast moves to the fore, standing tall and broad-shouldered, trying to look as large as possible.

He really is pretty large.

Charisma Aid: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

I do have Wild Empathy but I'm terrible at it (-2).

I don't think thats correct. You add your ranger level to a Wild Empathy check, so it should be +1 (and Grigory should be at +0).

I'm going to say local people only know the local language. The mahout (elephant driver) knows common, but the porters have limited capability with common. Vudrani is what the porters speak.

By chugging some of the food deeper into the jungle, the Pathfinders manage to steer away the monkeys. The situation had all the elements to go ugly, but luckily the mischievous monkeys were just looking for something to fill their tummies.

The day continues as another hunting day after breakfast. The Pathfinders didn't express great interest in joining, so it is left for the baron and the count to bag the animals. Once the hunt has been concluded, they return to the main trail and continue winding through the forest.

The otherwise uneventful walk is suddenly interrupted as the elephant roars in panic, and begins stamping about wildly, threatening to shake the howdah off its back! All this commotion is due to a batch of cobra hatchlings next to their nest that startled the elephant, and in addition to this the brood's mother is trying to get back to defend its nest. The porters immediately start and try to drive the large cobra back to the jungle, but the unarmed, lightly equipped locals are clearly at a disadvantage against an angry mother.

The baron and count hold onto the ornate howdah for their dear lives. They aren't in a position to give orders to the Pathfinders, and just have to trust for the situation to calm down eventually. Chaos ensues.

There's a lot happening in this encounter! Please see [u]slide 7[/u] for details. The porters (who are between the cobra mother and elephant) and the mahout have been omitted from the tactical for convenience's sake. Baron and count are both in the howdah, trying to keep themselves in it while the elephant flails about.

Round 1
[u]Link to the map[/u]
Bolded may act

Corgrim Taïlas .
Ferrus Henricus .
Grigory Reinhold .
Khorast .
Elephant .
Cobra mother .
Iladora Unfallen .
Baby cobras .
Cobra Nana .

It s a really fun mistake, but our bard's name is "Corba Nana", not "Cobra Nana" ^^

Grigori, try to calm that animal!

Corgrim points at the elephant in the room

Iladora, calm the mother snake! Anyone got a big empty bag?

Ferrus had always a dilemma with animals. All animals have their innate beauty, but they are beasts, and hard to reason with, so coming to a peaceful resolution was always difficult.

Following Corgrim's suggestions, Ferrus circles around Grigori, touching his shoulder "May Shelyn's hand, guide you" and proceeds to put himself between the snake and the elephant, hoping to calm the elephant with his presence.

- Activate Bit of Luck on Grigori.
For the next round, you may reroll one d20 roll and take the better result.
- Move 20ft
Not sure if I can add a charisma check to aid Grigori Charisma aid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Note: In case the snake tries to attack, Ferrus will activate Adoration Will save 15

- Activate Bit of Luck on Grigori.

For the next round, you may reroll one d20 roll and take the better result.

If I may point out a small correction:

For the next round, any time the target rolls a d20, he may roll twice and take the more favorable result.

This means:

"Bag? That monster needs a circus tent!" Khorast shouts as he steps toward the closest snake, whipping out his warhammer, and tries to smash the animal.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

5-foot step, draw weapon, attack red snek.

Does Corgrim have any actions?

Ferrus's immeasurable love towards all living species, he rushes to appease the elephant. But the huge mammal is too concerned about the little snakes to pay any attention to the man who smells peculiarly of roses. All Ferrus gets out of the deal is the elephant's feet way too close for comfort.

Khorast tries to bust one of the little buggers out of existence, but only manages to flatten some of the dirt road.

Round 1
[u]Link to the map[/u]
Bolded may act

Corgrim Taïlas .
Ferrus Henricus .
Grigory Reinhold (A Bit of Luck)
Khorast .
Elephant .
Cobra mother .
Iladora Unfallen .
Baby cobras .
Corba Nana .

Grigory hustles to get alongside the elephant and does his best to calm the beast, drawing his greataxe as he steps into the undergrowth in case the mother cobra attacks.

Wild Empathy Roll 1: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Wild Empathy Roll 2: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Grigory is unable to catch the attention of the elephant, and the elephant keeps on trampling about. As it does that, the mahout can't keep up with the shaking and falls down to the ground. They get up and scrambles to the jungle to avoid the combat. The count screams as he clings onto the wooden beams of the howdah!

Botting Corgrim.
Corgrim takes out his bow and tries to shoot one of the baby cobras.
Corgrim atk @ red snake: 1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 - 4 = 141d6 ⇒ 4
The slithering cobra is able to avoid being impaled by an arrow.

The porters try their best to fend the giant cobra out of here, but the beast is dead set on trying to protect its younglings. Since there are humans in its way, it effortlessly eats one porter!

Iladora's turn.

Round 1
[u]Link to the map[/u]
Bolded may act

Corgrim Taïlas .
Ferrus Henricus .
Grigory Reinhold .
Khorast .
Elephant .
Cobra mother .
Iladora Unfallen .
Baby cobras .
Corba Nana .

Pulling her sword from her back, Iladora rushes toward the giant snake. "Stay back, you idiots! That's an order!" she barks at the porters, forgetting she has no authority over them.

Double move, draw weapon. I assume we can't easily move through the elephant's square, so the most I can do is be next to it.

If only the porters would understand common in such a chaotic environment. To them Iladora's command is identical to a shriek of a dying adventurer. (Fortunately the porters don't pose to be obstacles for the Pathfinders whereas the elephant does. Using acrobatics to tumble through the elephant's stamping feet would work)

The small cobras see the elephant as a source of nutrience. Only the red cobra sees Khorast as such.

Orange snek bite @ Elephant: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Yellow snek bite @ Elephant: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 1 nonlethal
Turquoise snek bite @ Elephant: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 1 nonlethal
Red snek bite @ Khorast: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Elephant poison save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
Elephant poison save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23
They don't really do much to something so much bigger. The cobras' poison is pretty underdeveloped, too.

Round 1-2
[u]Link to the map[/u]
Bolded may act

Corgrim Taïlas .
Ferrus Henricus .
Grigory Reinhold .
Khorast .
Elephant (2 nonlethal)
Cobra mother .
Iladora Unfallen .
Baby cobras .
Corba Nana .

The half-orc attempts again to squash the little cobra.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Seeing one of the porters dying causes a resolve in Ferrus, and he blames himself for not taking action

When a life is cut short, the world's potential for beauty is lessened..

Seeing Khorast is more than a match for a few hatchling cobras, he circles around the Elephant, hoping the Count and the Baron can hold on for a while longer.

Staring into the Cobra and focusing his intent he manages to lock a gaze with the cobra, and sends a ghastly intent, filling the cobra with dread, urging it to stop fighting and flee. "Fear me, cruel beast!" He cries.

- move 20ft
- Cast Cause fear on the big Cobra (Will save 15, on failure frightened for 1d4 ⇒ 4 rounds, on success shaken for 1 round)

Corba moves up a bit and starts her bardic performance. (which also affects Khorast's attack)

+1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects
+1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls

"Pathfinders, I believe in you! You will achieve great things if you believe in yourself, too! Have faith in your skills..."

Well, it is Perform (Oratory)...;-)

Grigory charges through the undergrowth (double move) to get between the giant snake and the frenzied elephant.

Climb?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16 Or Acrobatics, so +3 to result ((19)

Meanwhile, Corgrim tries to climb the Elephant's side, hoping to calm the beast before it's too late

Corgrim manages to snatch the rope ladder leading to the howdah, and somehow manages to keep hold of it. It doesn't appear to sooth the animal the slightest, however.

Khorast's blow hits the ground, hard. The snake just hisses.

The elephant is still panicked, especially since it got two little snakes to bite its ankles. It toots and tramples in its place.

Cobra mother Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
1d4 ⇒ 2 rounds
The magic spell Ferrus cast has the desired effect on the large snake. It quickly slithers away from the Shelynite at top speed. The local porters are overjoyed, thinking it has gone forever. Ferrus knows, however, that this will only last a short while.

Round 2
[u]Link to the map[/u]
Bolded may act
Inspire Courage affects all allies!

Corgrim Taïlas .
Ferrus Henricus .
Grigory Reinhold .
Khorast .
Elephant (2 nonlethal)
Cobra mother (frightened)
Iladora Unfallen .
Baby cobras .
Corba Nana .

Satisfied that the mother is gone for the time being, Iladora turns her attention to the babies.

Greatsword + Inspire Courage - Power Attack vs orange: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 8 + 1 - 1 = 27
Damage: 2d6 + 6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1, 2) + 6 + 3 + 1 = 13

Confirm crit: 1d20 + 8 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 1 - 1 = 15
Extra damage: 2d6 + 6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5, 6) + 6 + 3 + 1 = 21

Khorast's blow hits the ground, hard. The snake just hisses.

Just confirming:

I did take into account Khorast's inspired attack. Wasn't enough.

Iladora makes minced snake meat out of one of the baby cobras. It could have gone straight to mush, but the strike wasn't that devastating.

Two of the cobras are still intent on eating the elephant alive, one way or another.
Yellow Snake bite @ elephant: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24 1 nonlethal
Turquoise Snake bite @ elephant: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Elephant fortitude save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25
Elephant fortitude save: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

And one little snake prefers the half-orc.
Red Snake bite @ Khorast: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
But there's metal in the way!

Round 2-3
[u]Link to the map[/u]
Bolded may act
Inspire Courage affects all allies!

Corgrim Taïlas .
Ferrus Henricus .
Grigory Reinhold .
Khorast .
Elephant (3 nonlethal)
Cobra mother (frightened)
Iladora Unfallen .
Baby cobras (orange)
Corba Nana .

Ferrus, untying his Glaive from his back, yells out "Don't relax just yet. She'll be back, but it gives us some breathing room. Lets get this elephant under control!".

He pulled the string on the cloth protecting the blade, revealing a heavy piece of sharp metal, decorated in a Rainbow of colors. It was as if he was wielding a deadly Bird of Paradise.

He locks eyes with the Elephant and makes a soothing cooing sound, hoping to be able to soothe the animal enough to grab his leash rope and lead him away from the Big Cobra.

Charisma check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Corba maintains her performance, moves up a bit and tries to aid Ferrus with the elephant.

Aid Charisma: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 D'oh! :-(

Khorast, though beginning to suspect that Torag isn't actually all with him against an opponent so puny, refuses to back down and presses his attack.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

If the enemy is defeated, he then advances to threaten the next snake in line.

Corgrim tries to calm the pachyderm, mimicking Ferrus soothing words as much as possible

Charisma check: 1d20 ⇒ 14

See? "Fake it till you make it!"
He winks at the Count

Grigory steps forward to be better prepared to take a swing at the mother cobra if she charges. As he does, he makes soothing sounds hoping to help the others calm the elephant.

"Shhhhhhhhh. Easy. Shhhhhhhhh. Take it easy."

Charisma Aid: 1d20 ⇒ 10

Grigory has +3 for Handle Animal checks if it helps with future elephant-related issues.

The collective effort, lead by Ferrus, of the Pathfinders is finally able to calm the elephant down, but remains panicked and afraid. And not a moment too soon, seeing the howdah in a pretty rough shape, borderline falling to the ground. The baron seems calm and composed himself, while the count is still frantically clinging to a wooden beam, as if it'd save him from all perils.

Each snake gave a cumulative +2 bonus, and the DC was 20. Ferrus' 19 with the orange snake dead was enough.

Khorast minds his own business, and finally squishes the pesky red snake!

The big snake keeps scurrying further away from Ferrus, but suddenly stops, and looks back with far more ferocious eyes. It's coming back. The porters see this, and run away from impending danger!

Round 3
[u]Link to the map[/u]
Bolded may act
Inspire Courage affects all allies!

Corba Nana.
Corgrim Taïlas .
Ferrus Henricus .
Grigory Reinhold .
Khorast .
Elephant (3 nonlethal)
Cobra mother .
Iladora Unfallen .
Baby cobras (orange, red)

"Watch out, the big one's coming back!" Iladora moves up to be in step with Grigory, between the snake and the rest of the party, holding her sword at the ready.

It probably has reach, but just in case!

Iladora is in stance, ready to strike the large cobra.

The little snakes keep on pestering the Pathfinders. The turquoise goes after Khorast while the yellow keep on nibbling the elephant's foot.
Turquoise bite @ Khorast: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Yellow bite @ elephant: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Round 4
[u]Link to the map[/u]
Bolded may act
Inspire Courage affects all allies!

Corba Nana .
Corgrim Taïlas .
Ferrus Henricus .
Grigory Reinhold .
Khorast .
Elephant (3 nonlethal)
Cobra mother .
Iladora Unfallen .
Baby cobras (orange, red)

Ferrus can handle himself in a fight, but he also knows that he is better relying on his stronger companions.
He moves close to Grigory, and waits for the Cobra to be in range to grant him Shelyn's blessing

- Move 5ft
- Ready action to cast Bit of Luck on Grigory when Cobra is in his meelee range
---
Ferrus has reach with his Glaive (Atk 1d20+0, Dmg 1d8+0)
If Ferrus is attacked he will activate Adoration Will save DC 15

Corba maintains her performance, draws her light crossbow and shoots at the big cobra. (it's in the range of 80 ft)

Light Crossbow + IC: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 3 + 1 = 23
Piercing + IC: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
crit?: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 1 = 13
additional Piercing + IC: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Khorast moves on to hammer down the next snake.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

If snake = dead, Khorast takes a 5-foot step to threaten the yellow cobra.

Corba shoots at the cobra, and even while it's a long distance away, she's able to land her shot! The thick scales prevent it from making any massive damage.

Khorast improves his game of whack-a-snake. Only one remaining!

Round 4
[u]Link to the map[/u]
Bolded may act
Inspire Courage affects all allies!

Corba Nana .
Corgrim Taïlas .
Ferrus Henricus (ready action)
Grigory Reinhold .
Khorast .
Elephant (3 nonlethal)
Cobra mother (7 damage)
Iladora Unfallen .
Baby cobras (orange, red, turquoise)

"Nice shot," Grigory comments, still staring down the mother snake.

His knuckles whiten as he tightens his grip on his greataxe and readies for her to rush back toward the party to protect her last remaining hatchling.

Sorry, Grigory, you only roll once for damage. Unless you find a weapon with a D20 as damage die...

"Thanks! But to be honest, I must have gotten lucky!"

How to calm an elephant? (Handle animal, untrained): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18

Corgrim tries again to calm the frightened animal

You're so much bigger than them, frankly, they should be afraid of you, ,not the other way!